WK 3: Bucs Get Early Division Win, Beat Falcons

Tampa, FL - It was an early divisional contest between the Tampa Bay Bucs and Atlanta Falcons. The early lead in the division race was also on the line, as both teams sat 1-1 with Carolina at 1-2 and N.O. at 0-2. Atlanta's high powered offense came into the game led by Matty Ice and no. 1 wide receiver Roddy White. Going into the game White had 18 receptions through the first two games and led all other receivers in that category by at least 13 catches. Tampa knew if they were to win this game stopping White would be a key. Mission accomplished. White was only able to muster 2 catches for a meager 19 yards. In fact, the Bucs held all Falcon receivers in check. RB Steven Jackson was leading receiver for Atlanta with 4 catches and 54 yards. That was really the factor in the ball game. Matt Ryan accounted for 3 costly interceptions, which all led to Buccaneer points. Ryan ended the ball game 13 for 27, 232 yards with 3 TD's and 3 INT's. The rushing game wasn't much better for Atlanta. Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers combined for 10 carries and 61 yards. The offensive production in this game for Atlanta definitely hurt them in the end. On the other side of the ball, the Bucs were led by RB Doug Martin. Coming off of his pro bowl year, Martin had his best game of the season. He finished with 23 carries for 129 yards and 1 TD, earning him co-player of the game honors. Josh Freeman looked inconsistent at times, but managed to protect the ball and not account for any turnovers. He went 11 for 28, 270 yards and 1 TD. Vincent Jackson managed to grab the score, even though he only caught 3 balls on the day as he appeared to be double teamed on a lot of routes. It was Tampa's other receiver, Mike Williams, who did the most damage through the air. Williams caught 6 passes for 200 yards and played the style of ball the Bucs are looking for from him. The Bucs would pull away in this game late in the 3rd with the score ending up 30-20.